Our Founder

Kristin O’Bryan

Kristin O’Bryan and her husband, Jay, moved to Pace, Florida, in 2015. Not long after, they learned they were facing infertility. What followed were years filled with prayers, tears, and deep longing as they navigated the painful journey of trying to grow their family. Through every disappointment and unanswered question, they clung to God’s promises—even when the road felt impossibly hard.

In 2022, they felt God’s unmistakable call to adopt. Hope bloomed again, and in 2023, they received the joyful news that they had been matched with a precious baby girl, whom they lovingly named Ada-Grace. But on August 26, 2023, they received the heartbreaking news that Ada-Grace had passed away on July 24. Their arms never held her, yet their hearts will carry her forever. Even in the depth of grief, Kristin and Jay experienced God’s sustaining presence and comfort, finding that He is near even in the valley of sorrow.

Earlier in 2022, Kristin had launched the Accepting Not Expecting podcast, giving voice to the often-silent struggles of infertility and creating a space for honesty, hope, and faith. God continued to open doors, expanding this calling into two classes at her home church, Immanuel Baptist Church, and ultimately leading to the founding of The Gathering Garden, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss, adoption loss, and the adoption journey.

As Kristin and Jay continue to trust God with their own family story, she shares openly about the ways He has carried them through seasons of pain, strengthened their marriage, and refined their faith. Her heart is to help others discover that even in life’s hardest moments, God’s presence is real, His promises are true, and His hope never fails.